Bargain E-Book: Mommy Burnout by Dr. Sheryl Ziegler

The ultimate must-read handbook for the modern mother: a practical, and positive tool to help free women from the debilitating notion of being the "perfect mom," filled with funny and all too relatable true-life stories and realistic suggestions to stop the burnout cycle, and protect our kids from the damage burnout can cause.

Moms, do you feel tired? Overwhelmed? Have you continually put off the things you need to do for you? Do you feel like it’s all worth it because your kids are happy? Are you "over" being a mother? If you answered yes to these questions, you’re not alone. Parents today want to create the ideal childhood for their children. Women strive to be the picture-perfect Pinterest mother that looks amazing, hosts the best birthday parties in town, posts the most "liked" photos, and serves delicious, nutritious home-cooked meals in her neat, organized home after ferrying the kids to school and a host of extracurricular activities on time.

This drive, while noble, can also be destructive, causing stress and anxiety that leads to "mommy burnout." Psychologist and family counselor Dr. Sheryl Ziegler is well-versed in the stress that moms face, and the burden of guilt they carry because they often feel like they aren’t doing enough for their kids’ happiness. A mother of three herself, Dr. Z—as she’s affectionately known by her many patients—recognizes and understands that modern moms are all too often plagued by exhaustion, failure, isolation, self-doubt, and a general lack of self-love, and their families are also feeling the effects, too.

Over the last nineteen years working with families and children, Dr. Z has devised a prescriptive program for addressing "mommy burnout"—teaching moms that they can learn to re-energize themselves and still feel good about their families and their lives. In this warm and empathetic guide, she examines this modern epidemic among mothers who put their children’s happiness above their own, and offers empowering, proven solutions for alleviating this condition, saving marriages and keeping kids happy in the process.

File Size: 866 KB
Print Length: 341 pages
Publisher: Dey Street Books; Reprint edition (February 20, 2018)
Publication Date: February 20, 2018
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
Language: English
ASIN: B06ZZLN7BL

Purchase from:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts - Jan 18

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts is hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. This is a chance for book bloggers to dabble in areas besides books (but those are welcome too). Share your plans for the weekend, a rant on people not using their turn signals in parking lots, or your love of Sunday morning mimosas.

I try not to be controversial, but what is up with the way young people talk to each other these days? If you're friends you call one another *itch? How about the lovely word *hore? Is there ever really a need to use that? And, oh my gosh, if I hear one more young person use the F-word in every sentence, I might just scream.

Retired New York psychology professor Dr. Francis Compton spent over 30 years studying and understanding the social behaviors of adolescents. He says they mistakenly believe using such curse words, typically associated with adults, shows maturity. Freelance writer, Stef Daniels, a mother of four, stated in her article on the subject that the world seems to have become immune to bad language. Whether on prime time television, in music, or in books targeted to this age group, curse words are everywhere. She also mentions that some parents don't feel like cuss words are worthy of stiff punishments.

For me, the consistent use of strong curse words in regular interaction with each other is a sign of lack of respect--for the person you're speaking to and for yourself. It's one thing if you smash your knee on the corner of the desk and exclaim, "F***, that hurt!" It's totally different if your snap chats to your friends looking something like this...

"Listen, you *unt. I don't F'ing care if you like him, you *itch. He's my boyfriend and you better stay the F away from him!"

The girls and their friends read me some of their social media conversations. They just about make my eyes cross. Not in a million years would I have considered talking to anyone that way when I was a teenager. If my dad found out, it wouldn't have ended well.

Right now, I provide correction when I hear it, and pray a lot that they will grow out of it. How have you handled your kids swearing?

Kids in the House Announces Their Top 100 Parenting Blogs and Websites

Kids in the House has announced their Top 100 Parenting Blogs and Websites list honoring blogs and websites that share useful, meaningful, and entertaining parenting advice.

Click here to review their list!

Beach Reads: Vacation Book Update

Vacation has been lovely. We are now in our second week at the Outer Banks. We've managed to avoid sharks; though a news report indicated we missed two guys hauling a shark up onto the beach a few hours before we were there one day.

One of the best parts of vacation is catching up on my reading. I'm almost done with Out of Control: Why Disciplining Your Child Won't Work...And What Will by Shefali Tsabary, PhD. I've also read, My Spouse Wants More Sex Than Me: The 2-Minute Solution for a Happier Marriage by Dr. Ruxandra LeMay, and am currently reading ’89 Walls by Katie Pierson and Guilt Free Motherhood: A 5-Step Guide to Reclaiming Your Time, Health & Well-Being by Amber Kahn.

What have you been reading this month?

As A Busy Mom Thinks - How Bullies Changed My Daughter

One of my daughters will graduate from middle school next week. It can't come soon enough. You hear how difficult these years can be on children--maybe even recall your own challenges at that age--but until your child is the victim of bullies, I'm not sure one can appreciate how much change happens at the middle school level. 

For years, my daughter held her head high. She believed in herself and her abilities. Her side of the refrigerator was covered in artwork she was proud of and notes stating, "I am awesome!" and "I rock!" 

A mere three years later, she's a totally different person. She believes she's ugly, overweight--though she's not, will never have a boyfriend, and is untalented. This is all thanks to the bullies who have convinced her their words, not mine, are true.

I long for those days when she confidently strolled through the house as if she owned it. I miss those days when I believed her opinion of herself was high enough to weather the storms of middle school with their mean girls and popular boys who don't talk to you unless you are a size two with perfect skin and hair. I never expected my child to be threatened and called names I didn't even know the meaning of when I was that age. And as parents in this age of technology, we know the bullying does not stop at school. It continues via text and social media.

Two major incidents this year brought it all to a head (one I can't talk about here). Then the consequences hit me this weekend when our family was supposed to attend a graduation party. My girls got there first. The minute my middle schooler caught sight of one of the guests--a bully from school--a panic attack seized her. She called me from her cell phone, but she was such a wreck she could barely speak. I thought she was having an asthma attack. What was supposed to be a nice day with friends ended up being a day where my daughter hid in her room watching NetFlix, because no amount of words from her parents could convince her she would be safe at the party.

As someone who was also bullied, I understand what she's going through. But I only felt fearful once that someone would truly act on their words. My daughter's bullies have been physical. They have been hurtful. And honestly, I don't know if there is a way I can help my child gain back what they stole from her: her confidence and her self-esteem.

Please pray for us.

As A Busy Moms Thinks: Post-op

I am nearly four weeks post-op. The surgery went well and recovery hasn't been bad despite the horrible back spasms I ended up with as a result of lying on the table for too long. Physical therapy started last Friday, so that should help.

The one tricky thing that amazes me about my experience is that I never realized exactly how much I do around here that keeps the household running. Since I am still two weeks away from being fully functional, my filthy floors that I am not allowed to vacuum or wash are driving me insane.

No one around here wants to help. In all fairness, the hubby works twelve hours a day and certainly doesn't feel like doing much other than relaxing when he gets home. But what about those kids I have waited on hand and foot for more than a decade? Why is it so hard to get them to help out?

They have a chore list, but it turns into an argument when they won't honor their commitments. Granted, their main focus has to be school, but is it so hard to bring your laundry up to your room each day and put it away? Is it too much to ask that once a week they vacuum a couple of floors? And don't even get me started on the state of their rooms. You need a Hazmat suit just to enter the Lil' Diva's room.

I'm struggling not to overdo it, but I definitely don't want to pull something out of whack and end up back in the hospital. Say a prayer for me that I can get the kids to contribute a bit more.

First Chapter Review: Out of Control by Shefali Tsabary, PhD

BLURB:  Every parent wants the golden key to raising well-behaved, academically gifted, successful, happy children. Embedded in the collective psyche is the notion that discipline is the cornerstone to achieving these goals. Out of Control offers a never-before-published perspective on why the entire premise of discipline is flawed. Dr. Shefali Tsabary reveals how discipline is a major cause of generations of dysfunction. The author goes to the heart of the problems parents have with children, challenging society’s dependence on discipline, daring readers to let go of fear-based ideologies and replace them with an approach that draws parent and child together. The key is ongoing meaningful connection between parent and child, free from threats, deprivation, punishment, and timeouts — all forms of manipulation. Parents learn how to enter into deep communion with their children, understanding the reasons for a behavior and how to bring out the best in the child. Far from a laissez-faire, anything goes, approach, this is how a child learns responsibility and takes ownership of their life, equipped with character and resilience that flow naturally from within.

COVER: This color scheme is very appealing and soothing. The blended circles appear to signify the connected and harmonious relationship between parent and child.

FIRST CHAPTER: The opening chapter of Out of Control sets the stage for what is to come. In a few pages, the author is able to outline her philosophy on child rearing.

KEEP READING: Definitely. I received this book quite a while ago, but simply haven't been able to sit down with it. Two recent events with my children have made me realize I can't afford to put off reading it any longer. All of us seem to be at the breaking point lately considering our overloaded schedules and medical issues that have cropped up for many in the family. We need our home life to be more peaceful so that we can deal with the other issues better.

This first chapter is designed to quickly outline Dr. Tsabary's philosophy on why discipline doesn't work and get you thinking: Is she right? I look forward to reading more.

Invasion Of Privacy Or Safety? Should You Monitor Your Child's Phone by Naomi Shaw

It’s gotten to a point where you and your child need to have cell phones and private computers simply for convenience and communication, but those things can come with a cost. We’ve all heard the horror stories of teens meeting someone online, agreeing to meet up in person, and quickly realizing that they’re in way over their head and are dealing with someone who lied about who they are and their intentions. From online predators to cyberbullying, there are many digital dangers that you want to protect your child from, but that can be hard to do without sacrificing your child’s privacy and trust.

What to Look For

It’s perfectly normal these days for your child to always have their nose in their phone or laptop. Having access to those things is important for socializing, learning, exploring, creating, and expressing themselves. Their texts, phone conversations, and blog posts can usually be likened to keeping a personal journal in that they are simply expressing their thoughts and not putting themselves into danger. It’s when they start chatting with people they don’t know, often using anonymous profiles, when things can get iffy.

Here are some signs that your child might be at risk:
● They hide their internet and phone activity from you.
● They receive texts, phone calls, emails, letters or packages from people you don’t know.
● They are withdrawn and quiet.
● They use someone else’s name or an anonymous profile.

It can be hard to tell exactly what your child is doing online or on their phone, and usually what they’re doing is safe and completely innocent. However, if you are ever worried that your child might be engaging in risky behavior, it’s important for their safety that you address the problem right away, even if it turns out to be nothing.

What You Can Do

First and foremost, you should talk to your child about internet safety and be very clear about your rules and expectations. Having a phone and a laptop is a privilege that shouldn’t be abused, and for good reason. Make it clear that you aren’t trying to invade their privacy or take away the great, positive things that technology has to offer, but rather that you’re simply looking out for their safety.

Sometimes talking isn’t enough, and there’s still the matter of responsibility. You can have every intention to respect your child’s privacy, but if they’re under the age of 18 you have to consider that you can be held responsible for many of their actions. While you want to create trust with your child, there are still situations that kids can fall into online where they aren’t safe and the risks they take can have a huge effect on your life as well as theirs. With this taken into consideration, you may want to look into tools which allow you to monitor what your child does online and on their phone, which can come in handy in situations where their safety is at risk.

The best way to keep your child safe and happy is to have good communication and trust. In a perfect world that would be enough, but as a teenager in this digital age, there are constant threats out there and sometimes kids don’t have the tools or the insight to deal with those situations in the safest way. If you’re worried that your child really is at risk and they aren’t being open and honest with you, you many need to take measures to ensure their safety either through limitations or monitoring tools or by seeking outside help through counseling so that you can better communicate about the situation.

Naomi Shaw is a journalist who lives in California with her husband and three kids. She has a passion for writing on home decor, DIY and parenting. Her having 3 kids has made her even more aware and take all the right precautions when it comes to social media.

Guest Post: Why Busy Moms Need to Bore Their Kids by Michelle LaRowe

Many families commit to an arduous schedule of school, activities, classes, and lessons for their children at an early age. Kids are entertained and taught with things that demand their attention from sun up to sunset. But what about boredom? If "I'm bored" isn't a term you hear around the house often, it may be time to integrate it into you and your children's daily lives. 

Boredom Feeds Creativity

You may look at boredom as time wasted but actually, boredom is an essential component of raising a creative and insightful human being. Humans weren't meant to be amused 24 hours a day. There's no time for reflection in that space. Instead, boredom forces kids (and adults) to take meaningful action and find their own ways of amusing themselves and interacting with others. 

Stop the Stimulation

Unplugging and winding down to give time for boredom is essential. While it may seem that sitting the kids in front of the television or giving in to their demands for video games is a sanity saving step for you and your children, it actually gives them constant stimulation that isn't allowing them to foster their own ideas. Unplug, unwind, and work "boring" into your daily or weekly schedule. 

Boredom Helps "Soft" Skills

We all know the importance of good test scores but what about relationship skills or tactile skills? These can't be taught in classrooms or trained in classes. They need to be developed through trial and error. Leaving room for "boredom" or free time allows children to develop these pivotal skills on their own, with freedom and independence to make mistakes, correct them, and learn from them. 

Boredom Allows Time for Reflection

Learning to be more introspective is a skill many adults spend their entire life trying to achieve. For children, this time to reflect is even more pivotal. They are expected to excel in school, play sports, and create relationships with children and adults. When kids are ferried from activity to activity without a chance to process all these connections and what they mean, they lose much of the impact of forming them. To raise a child that can assess and understand their place in the world, time for boredom is a necessity. 

Boredom Searches for Passion

The point of boredom isn't for your children to twiddle their thumbs for hours on end in silence. It's meant to open up space for their reflection and to find their passions. When you're bored, what's the first thing you pick up? Maybe it's a set of knitting needles or a favorite recipe or an exercise mat. Your kids need time to discover what activities they enjoy and find peace within their daily lives. Creating space for boredom allows them to truly assess what drives them and creates happiness.

While all moms want the best for their children and many hope to achieve this by padding their schedule with activities and classes, understanding the importance of boredom may change your mind about whether your child needs another gymnastics lesson or scouts meeting. Boredom allows young minds to assess their surroundings, understand their relationships, and find what activities interest them. So, when's the last time you heard, "Mom, I'm bored"?

With over 20 years of experience in the nanny world as an award-winning nanny, agency director, and parenting author, Michelle LaRowe is considered a leading industry expert. A mom herself, she loves to educate parents and nannies on the importance of quality in-home childcare. Find out more by visiting @eNannySource on Twitter. 

Diary of a Busy Mom: Life Lesson Alert

Today brought about one of those unexpected life lessons. The Lil' Diva--my strong-willed child, the one I complain about the most, the one I swear has none of my genes at all--received an award at school. Each month the school administration and teachers focus on teaching a different character value. Morning Meetings (see Responsive Classroom) and assemblies focus on topics surrounding this character value. The month of December was "Caring."

For December, the Lil' Diva was nominated by her teachers to receive an award for exemplifying "Caring." Her father and I attended the ceremony this morning, where we had a chance to hear from her Star Time (homeroom) teacher why she was selected for this award.

This was an eye-opening experience for me.

Her teacher described a young woman who is not always the person I see. He called her dedicated to and focused on her school work. He said she was respectful at all times and listens well. And the main reason she received this award is how much she thinks of others. Her teacher cited how every day she wishes all of her teachers a good day or a good weekend, and it brightens their days.

Those aren't behaviors I usually see displayed here, but that's really not the point. No parent can complain when an outsider praises her child. Obviously they see a side to the Lil' Diva that is different from the one I see. And it got me to thinking about how important it could be if I looked at her through the lens her teachers do. What if I saw her as the dedicated, focused, respectful, caring young woman that is part of their classroom five days a week?

My mother-in-law has often says that if I want change, I have to be the one to initiate it. She's right. Perhaps it's my opinion that needs to change in order to encourage my daughter to let those wonderful traits shine through here like they do at school.

I've been incorporating daily Bible reading and prayer in my life since the new year began. Looks like I need to focus on changing my heart and mind toward my daughter during this time.

Guest Blogger: How to Stop Childhood Obesity by Stephanie Ingram

Obesity is a medical condition that refers to having too much body fat. You may be considered obese if you weigh 20% more than your normal weight range. Obesity is a global problem leading to numerous physical and psychological health issues. Weight is a very sensitive topic for people and becomes touchier if it’s more than desired.

Childhood Obesity Effects

Agility allows kids to exhibit their intelligence and enhance their learning. Look at the obesity matter from a child’s perspective. In our normal communication, we avoid everything that might hurt our child’s feelings. Doesn't obesity hurt the child's mind? Obesity is one of the least acceptable conditions in social life. It leaves children with low self-esteem and excludes them from a variety of playful activities. Their physical limitations keep them away from a number of normal activities and competitions, and don't allow them to build self-confidence for adulthood. Depression makes them introverted, which can lead to a decrease in academic performance. Apart from all of the psychological matters, obesity develops a lasting impact on physical health, including serious health conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and high blood pressure. Shortened life span is one of the grave impacts of childhood obesity.

How to Stop Childhood Obesity

Primary preventions are needed to enhance the standard of life. As parents, it’s our duty to make positive changes in our children's lives to keep them active, healthy, playful and confident. It’s important to make positive choices for your family life and create an environment that makes those choices easy, natural and enjoyable.

Balanced diet is the foremost prerequisite to live an active and agile life. Avoid those quick breakfast fixes and unhealthy school lunches that may harm their eating habits in the long run, as well as their health. Processed and refined foods do harm by containing sugar, fats and excess calories. Homemade food items should be a priority from a very early age. Stop showing intimacy via sugary treats, fast foods and sweetened beverages. This is the unhealthiest attitude that may harm your child's eating habits for life.

Start making changes in your personal diet and begin workout habits to be a role model for your children. The good thing about dealing with obesity in childhood is that kids are playful by nature. You don’t have to compel them much in order to get them to move more. Create an interesting exercising program with your kids to burn more calories, enhance stamina and build muscles. Make them aware of healthy living and dietary habits.

Avoid using gadgets as much as possible, especially if they are used just for fun. Limit television time and social media networks on the Internet. Encourage physical activities as pastimes rather than video games. Get yourself involved in any kind of sports to hearten kids to do so, too. Ample parental supervision is imperative to understand the consequences of sedentary life and the value of healthy living.


Stephanie Ingram is a blogger, writer at Fitnessrepublic.com, enthusiast spending her efforts and time in learning, applying and writing articles on fitness, food and nutrition, Pilates, health care and green living. She is passionate about learning and sharing the ways to improve fitness and maintain optimal health in order to live an active life.

Tips on How Single Parents Can Save Money on Childcare

I've been very fortunate to be the supplementary income in a two-parent family for the past thirteen years, but for the eleven years before that I struggled as a single parent. In those years before my son was old enough to start school, and then in the hours between 3 and 5 PM when I was still working but he was too young to stay home alone, finding affordable childcare seemed almost impossible. Without some form of assistance, I never would have made ends meet.

Employers are slowly recognizing and appreciating the personal commitments of their employees, but it's still an uphill climb, especially for those hiking alone. In the article, "How Single Parents Can Save Money on Childcare," you'll find ideas on how to help you juggle working and childcare as a single parent.

"Parents Matter" Infographic

I was recently sent a link to this “Parents Matter" infographic. I've lived life as a single parent and as a married stay-at-home mom. I remember the struggles of my former life and I certainly wouldn't like to relive them. Some of the statistics included below are shocking.


Source: Best Psychology Degrees

Avoiding Bathtime Battles

Thankfully, for the most part, these days are behind me, but every once in a while the Lil'Princess and the Lil' Diva decide to try to whine out of taking a bath or shower. And I remember in the early days where fear reigned and they got tired much easier, getting the girls into the tub at night was no easy task.

"Ways to Avoid Bathtime Battles" provides tips on how you can make bathtime easier on everyone. I'm a big proponent of getting the temperature right and making bathtime more fun. One of the reasons we stopped putting both girls in the tub together was because the Lil' Princess likes her water much cooler than the Lil' Diva. Having colored roll-on bath soaps, bathtub paints, cups and toys around helped encourage the girls to jump on in.

Hope you find these tips helpful.

How to Combat Sibling Rivalry by Guest Blogger Sara Dawkins

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Children_g112-Laying_Cute_Children_p68779.html

When you have more than one child you can also get sibling rivalry. The arguing and fighting between siblings seems almost inevitable. However, it does not need to escalate into an all-out war. While some arguing is expected, your children should not be at each other’s throats. Here are some ways to instill an enduring and tolerant love between siblings.

1.      Love equally– Many times sibling rivalry stems from a fear of being unloved. When a new baby enters a family the older child can feel left out or abandoned because the baby needs so much time and attention. You can help deal with this proactively by telling the older child that you love them and will not love them any less after the new baby is born. Try to explain to them that babies need more attention because they can’t take care of anything alone. Emphasize the fact that the older child can help you and the baby and be loved by you both. Make sure that even when the children get older you do not show preference for one over the other. Instead take the time to love each child for the things that make them special and point out what those things are.

2.      Separate times– In order to love more than one child at a time you need to make sure you give each child individual attention. This can be a few minutes or a trip that you and the child take alone. This little time away from the other sibling can help to make the child feel loved and like they got the attention they needed with no distractions. Even teens can get jealous, so be sure you make spending individual time with them a priority.

3.      Don’t compare– Never compare your kids. This is not fair and is very hurtful. Each child has a talent of their own. While one may excel in sports the other may be a great artist or thinker. That does not mean you should compare their grades, their art or their athletic ability. Instead try to find at least one thing to praise about each child. That way they feel like you appreciate their talents and are not wishing they were more like their sibling.

4.      Encourage cooperation– Last but not least, encourage cooperation instead of competition. Unconsciously many parents encourage competing in their kids. They do races, game and so on where one child can beat the other. Instead try to focus on team activities that allow each child to do what they are best at. You should also encourage them to help each other to become more well-rounded. If one child loves sports and the other loves to read, have each child help the other gain some ability in their preferred activity. They may not excel in it, but the spirit of teaching and helping can smooth over any angry feelings.

These are just a few of the ways you can help your children to overcome sibling rivalry. Start when they are small and make sure that all your children know you love them for who they are.

Author Bio

Sara is an active nanny as well as an active freelance writer. She is a frequent contributor of http://www.nannypro.com/.  Learn more about her http://www.nannypro.com/blog/sara-dawkins/.

Parenting Habits

I don't often read parenting books. Everyone has their own way of doing things, and I don't think it's easy to fit your ideas into someone else's style. That said, there are some basic habits that can help you feel more secure in parenting and make for a more peaceful home.

"Ten Parenting Habits to Get Into" shares many of those basics. Offering choices, asking for help when needed, picking your battles, and not expecting perfection are ones we put into practice here a lot. It helps in a family that includes a strong-willed child.

What is a parenting habit you were glad to get into?

WSJ Wednesday - Better Ways to Discipline Your Kids

Toward the end of the year, I caught this interesting article in the December 26, 2012 edition of The Wall Street Journal. "Smarter Ways to Discipline Kids" by Andrea Petersen states that research suggests which strategies work best. These are techniques used by psychologists to manage/cope/encourage (whatever verb you wish to use) their most difficult children, including those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.

According to the article, parents should not focus on what happens when the child acts out, but instead decide what behaviors they want to see in their kids and praise them when they see them. I find this tough, and I doubt I'm alone. Not that the child shouldn't be reprimanded when he does wrong, but that a "mild negative consequence" without shouting (very hard for me) plus praise for positive behavior goes a long way.

What doesn't work? Trying to reason with your child and overly harsh punishments (guilty as charged). Here's something I wouldn't have thought of. Psychologists at the Yale Parenting Center have found that getting kids to "practice" temper tantrums can lessen their frequency and intensity. Hmm. Who would have thought that?

What techniques have been most successful for you?

Is There Such a Thing as Too Fair?

Author and fellow blogger, Crystal Bowman, wrote a wonderful post this week offering a tip on dealing with sibling rivalry. She had heard this idea and decided to try it in her own home. Each of her three kids were child for a day twice a week, meaning they got to make the choices for activities such as what TV shows to watch and what music to listen to; but also had responsibilities like setting the table.

I got to thinking about this idea and how much I liked it, but then one other thing came to mind. In our home, we've always tried to keep things "fair" between the two girls. When it was the Lil Princess' birthday, the Lil Diva would get a small gift, and vice versa. Punishments are the same for similar infractions. If the Lil Diva signed up for an activity, the Lil Princess got to select one too. The challenge is that we've created such as strong sense of fairness in our home that they--especially the Lil Diva--can't accept when anything is unfair.

My mother's favorite saying was, "Life isn't fair." I find myself saying that more often as the girls grow and are exposed to different people and experiences. Did our parenting style turn fairness into a liability for our children: create an unrealistic sense of fairness that will be difficult for them to accept and overcome?

It's Your Kid, Not A Gerbil by Dr. Kevin Leman Giveaway at Tyndale Blog

Do you sometimes feel like a gerbil running on a wheel inside a cage as you scurry from place to place, chauffeuring your children from one endless activity to another? What if, for one moment, you could just step off of the wheel . . . and relax? How would you feel then? And what if that single moment could stretch into an hour, or even a whole day? In his new book, It’s Your Kid, Not a Gerbil, Kevin Leman will provide practical solutions and helpful insight to get off the activity wheel so that you can put your time and energies where they really count: in establishing strong character and a love for home and family that will serve your kids well for a lifetime.


A well-known media personality, speaker and columnist, Dr. Kevin Leman has appeared on programs including Oprah, CNN, Good Morning America, CBS’ The Early Show, LIVE with Regis and Kelly, Today and The View. He is a charter faculty member of iQuestions, an online resource where experts provide answers to life’s toughest questions, and the founder and president of Couples of Promise, an organization he created to help couples remain happily married.


Dr. Leman, whose professional affiliations include the American Psychological Association, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, National Register of Health Services Providers in Psychology, and the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology, earned his Doctorate degree in psychology from the University of Arizona. He lives in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife, Sande, and they have five children.

Visit Dr. Leman online at http://www.drleman.com/

Tyndale is giving people chances to win some great prizes. For details, visit Tyndale's blog at http://www.tyndale.com/blog/?p=1243

Dr. Leman is the author of more than 30 books and a dozen audio and DVD video titles.

Book Review: The Parent's Guide to Facebook by Kathryn Rose

If your teen is more technology savvy than you and thinks that Facebook is a great place to hang out, then you need to pick up a copy of  The Parent's Guide to Facebook: Tips and Strategies to Protect Your Children on the World's Largest Social Network by Kathryn Rose.

In this recently updated version, Rose brings you through the basics of signing up for a Facebook account, completing a profile, privacy settings for each section of the network, and more.

I use Facebook on an almost daily basis for work and to keep in touch with friends and family. Some of the information about privacy settings was new to me and it encouraged me to make changes to my own account. Sometimes you think you've protected yourself, but you really haven't.

The Parent's Guide to Facebook will help you feel safer when your teen is online. By walking you through setting up your own account, you'll see how Facebook works and where some of the dangers can lie for young people.

My only nitpick is that this book is in desperate need of an editor. There are several instances of missing words, the wrong words used, and one instance of words being repeated. Even the Foreward is missing a word in the second to the last paragraph. It's not the end of the world, but if you're an expert on a topic, you want to present your material in the best light possible. That doesn't happen when your text has numerous errors in it.

That aside, this is an excellent resource for parents and guardians of teens. By teaching you how to get around Facebook, you'll be able to help your teen be safer online too.

Title: The Parent's Guide to Facebook: Tips and Strategies to Protect Your Children on the World's Largest Social Network
Author:  Kathryn Rose
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN-10: 1453834559
ISBN-13: 978-1453834558
SRP:  $12.99